Evolution / Genetics / Biology

Scientists discover secret of the 'Gate to Hell' at ancient Hierapolis

The ancient Greek site known as "Gate to Hell," located in modern-day Turkey's western Denizli province, really did kill those who got too close – but instead of an angry god's breath, noxious gas claimed victims, scientists have found.

In ancient times, the Greeks and Romans believed this grotto was the gateway to hell [Credit: Daily Sabah]

Legends of "Hades Gate," named after the Greek god of death, say anyone who approached the deadly breath-filled grotto dropped dead and was immediately taken away to the underworld – a tale considered hyperbole, until now.

A team of researchers from Germany's University of Duisburg-Essen who has been studying the site in the ancient city of Hierapolis uncovered a geomorphic explanation for the dramatic deaths.

The plutonium at Hierapolis [Credit: Carole Raddato/Flickr]

The grotto sits directly above the Babadağ fault line, from which carbon dioxide escapes Earth's crust and fills the cave, at levels that may have been lethal to humans in ancient times.

During the rites, priests sacrificed bulls to Pluto.The ceremony included leading the animals into the cave, and dragging them out dead [Credit: Francesco D’Andria]

"Astonishingly, these vapours are still emitted in concentrations that nowadays kill insects, birds and mammals."

The fault line had another formative effect on the city, one that instead fought back against death's approach and kept it a popular spot for visitors. Colourful mineral hot springs cascade down the hill near the ruins of Hierapolis, the place known as Pamukkale in modern Turkey. The site has been used as a healing spa since the second century BC under the Greek Seleucid Empire.